Summary
The U.S. Navy has increased the value of its contract with Northrop Grumman to continue production of the FMU-139D/B electronic bomb fuze, ensuring a reliable supply of its critical capability for U.S. forces and allies.
Key Takeaways
- Contract ceiling increase helps meet rising U.S. and allied demand for combat-proven munitions and supports efforts to rebuild and sustain ready stockpiles.
- Investments in modern manufacturing technologies at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia are helping Northrop Grumman increase production while maintaining quality and accelerating delivery timelines.
The U.S. Navy is increasing the maximum value of an existing contract with Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) by approximately $97 million to support continued production of the FMU-139D/B electronic bomb fuze.
The FMU-139D/B is an electronic bomb fuze — a key safety and timing device controlling when and how a munition performs — known for its adaptability and deployed on numerous U.S. and allied aircraft and various munitions. By helping ensure munitions safely function as intended, it plays a critical role supporting U.S. and allied forces in maintaining ready, reliable stockpiles as demand for munitions grows.
Manufactured at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia, this award extends production for Northrop Grumman’s reliable and operationally proven capability that plays a critical role in the U.S. military’s inventory of air-delivered weapons.
Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman delivered its 200,000th FMU-139 D/B fuze, demonstrating the company’s long-standing production effort and ability to manufacture the system at scale. Through investments in automation and advanced manufacturing technologies, ABL can now produce as many as 85,000 fuzes annually. These improvements have increased efficiency, expanded capacity and strengthened the ability to respond quickly during periods of increased demand.